Vale made two changes from the side that were beaten in the first round of the Capital One Cup against Burnley in midweek as they lined up to face Barnet in the opening league fixture of the season at Vale Park.

Both changes were in defence, with Richard Duffy taking the place of Adam Yates at right full back, whilst Clayton McDonald was drafted in at the expense of young centre back Joe Davis.

Vale started well, pressing hard and closing down quickly in all areas of the pitch as they looked to show the visitors they meant business.

minute when Doug Loft played the ball inside the Sam Morsy, who drove forward before releasing a ferocious drive that goalkeeper Liam O’Brien did well to turn around the post for a corner.thThe home side almost went in front in the 6

minute.th producing a fine strike, hooking the ball inside the ‘keeper’s right hand post in the 8LOUIS DODDSThe home fans didn’t have too long to wait for the opener, however,

to convert the spot kick, sending O’Brien the wrong way.JENNISON MYRIE-WILLIAMS minute after Tom Pope was upended inside the box. Up stepped thVale doubled their lead in the 19

Vale were scrapping for every single ball. Despite being two goals up they refused to let up, showing why all the hard work in pre-season in so important.

Their persistence almost led o a third goal when Chris Shuker hassled unl he won the ball, slipped it to Dodds, who in turn fed Pope, but the Vale striker unfortunately fired wide.

Former Dagenham & Redbridge striker Jon Nurse almost caught Vale napping when he held off a challenge inside the Vale box before shooting into the side-netting, but it was a rare opportunity for the visitors.

With a bit more luck in front of goal, Vale could have been four or five goals up by half time, but they had to settle for just the two.

Vale were slow out of the blocks after the interval and Barnet came out with more purpose in their play, pressing at every opportunity.

It was the team in purple who were now on top, with Vale looking just a little jaded at times.

MickyAdams minute with Adams Yates replacing Richard Duffy in a straight swap.thmade a substitution in the 66

Although Vale created several opportunities during the opening forty five minutes, chances were far and few between in the second half, but Louis Dodds went close when he turned just inside the box and fired inches wide of the upright.

minute when Ben Williamson replaced Ashley Vincent as the manager tried to freshen things up a little.rdVale made their second change in the 73

, who moved the ball to his right foot, leaving Clovis Kamdjo on his backside before slamming the ball past O’Brien.TOM POPEWithin two minutes Vale increased their lead. Loft picked the ball up on the left and switched it inside for

minute – Ryan Burge coming on to replace Chris Shuker.thVale made their third and final substitution in the 79

What a terrific start to Vale’s League Two campaign. Let’s hope we can now get something from our next two games – away to Accrington Stanley and Morecambe.